Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips.
There’s no time like spring time to visit the vast American Southwest. The days are longer, the sun isn’t quite blistering yet, flowers are in bloom, and temperatures are ideal for spending time outside. Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to disconnect, wanting to take a gamble with your tax refund, or just hoping to plop by the pool with the fam, there really is a desert escape for everyone. Below, we’ve rounded up 8 spring desert escapes for every personality type.
RELATED: The one must-see bucket-list icon in every Mountain West state
The Spiritualist: Sedona, AZ
Imagine waking up to the view of the sun rising above the Red Rocks of Sedona. Now imagine a scene where the stunning citrus colored Palo Verde trees are in bloom, mornings start off cool then warm to the perfect pool-dip temperatures, and soothing tunes are quietly pumped through the speakers hidden throughout the property. Amara Resort and Spa allows you to reconnect with nature through hikes and calm spaces perfect for meditating. The infinity pool overlooks lush plant life and there is plenty of room to spread out. Book an afternoon at the spa and you’ll feel like you’ve gone to heaven.
The Gambler: Las Vegas
If you’re taking your tax refund to Nevada, here’s hoping everything that happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas. You’ll want to take some winnings home! The famed Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is shockingly affordable right now, which means you’ll have more to risk at the blackjack table. The rooftop pool, lined in punchy purple loungers, is a place to see and be seen, and the property boasts some of the best food offerings in Vegas, including Momofuku, Jaleo, and Beauty & Essex.
The Adrenaline Junkie: Zion National Park, UT
Anyone looking for a jolt will find plenty to get amped up about in Zion National Park. The Utah icon has tons of amazing hikes for adrenaline lovers, like Angel’s Landing, which covers 5.5 miles and has chain-assisted rock scrambling sections. Avid hikers will likely have The Narrows on their bucket list, too. The slot canyon hike through sometimes knee-deep water was created by the Virgin River coursing through the canyon over millions of years. Book a tent at Under Canvas Zion and glamp right in the heart of it all.
The Water Lover: Page, AZ
Sometimes the desert is a little too dry, which is why we love telling folks about pristine Lake Powell. The area is truly one of the most stunning landscapes you’ll find in the country. The man-made reservoir on the Colorado River weaves through towering red rock and desert beaches. Book a room at the lovely Powell Resort, notable for its pool and minimalist desert decor but be sure to rent a boat and spend some times cruising Lake Powell. You can’t miss selfies at Horseshoe Bend and hiking Antelope Canyon.
The Sun Worshiper: Palm Springs
There’s no better desert locale in which to soak up the sun than Palm Springs. It seems like the Coachella Valley offers dang near perfect weather 365 days a year. To make the most of your time in the sun, we love booking a vacation rental like this Great House. They’ve got a beautiful pool complete with a cabana and a huge backyard where you can spread out and soak in those rays. This house is really big so it would be perfect for your pandemic pod to book together and great for big families with lots of kiddos.
The Pioneer: Yucca Valley, CA
If you like Wild West towns, lively roadhouses, and offbeat attractions like desert art installations and “sound baths,” Joshua Tree is the ideal desert escape for you, and the Joshua Tree House is calling your name. The 3-bedroom house is just five miles from the National Park, which means you can spend the days hiking and exploring. Be sure to sip coffee in one of the hammocks while you watch the sunrise paint the park pink.
The Stargazer: Grand Canyon
String lights aren’t the only glow you’ll see at Under Canvas Grand Canyon. Located in a remote area, posh Under Canvas offers amazing stargazing and the glamping option even has a “stargazer tent.” The viewing window above the king bed means you can revel in nature from the comfort of your own tent. Set on 160-acres of piñon and juniper forest, the stars shine bright without all the light pollution cities deal with. Just 25-minutes from the canyon’s South Rim, you’ll be close to amazing vistas, stunning hikes, and beautiful trails.
The Family Crew: Scottsdale, AZ
So many families are hoping to make up for last year with a badly needed getaway. Boasting plenty of sunshine, lots to do (safely) outside, great restaurants, and perfect pool scenes, Scottsdale offers an ideal desert escape for sun-starved parents and their little ones.The Scott Resort and Spa boasts several pools and a great shallow area for the littlest babes plus, a killer spa for a little adult R&R.
Compass + Twine
Latest posts by Compass + Twine (see all)
- 6 great hotel stays to build a trip around - December 15, 2021
- 6 family-friendly fishing destinations to check out now - December 13, 2021
- 7 resorts that are ideal for an adults-only vacation - November 29, 2021
Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
